Parents' Association of The Craig School

Commonly referred to as "PACS", we are a volunteer organization made up of parents who want to support the Craig mission by becoming actively involved in the Craig community. PACS is run by its Executive Committee, which works closely with the school's administration to target ways that parents can become active participants in Craig life.

It goes without saying that an engaged and active parent body, contributing its time and ideas, is a strong asset to an independent school. For parents, however, the most important reason to become involved is your children - to contribute in ways that will enrich their school life during their years at Craig.

We urge all of our parents to become members of PACS and participate in its many activities listed below.

PACS Sponsored Events

Halloween Trick or Trunk Come on down and join in the festivities. Starting at 1:00pm, our Lower/Middle School students will be showing off their cool costumes in the annual Craig School Halloween Parade. Immediately following, PACS is hosting "Trick or Trunk", a unique take on the Halloween classic. The children will be able to "visit" cars decorated by volunteer parents and enjoy a treat. All parents and friends are welcome.

Annual Holiday Fund PACS organizes the Holiday Fund for The Craig School faculty and staff on behalf of our parents, as a means of expressing our deep appreciation for their dedication to our children throughout the year.

OTHER FUNDRAISERSThroughout the school year, PACS provides a number of opportunities for parents to benefit Craig financially, including through online shopping sites and search engines such as iGive and iSearch, and through Boxtops for Education..

CRAIG GEAR"Be True to Your School!" Craig Gear clothing, accessories and supplies offer students, parents and faculty the opportunity to show their school spirit!

TEACHER APPRECIATIONEach spring, PACS honors The Craig School faculty and staff with a luncheon and other festivities, as a way of thanking them for their efforts all year long on behalf of the children.

PACS SPEAKER SERIESIn addition to its regular meetings during the school year, PACS schedules guest speakers to make presentations on topics of special interest to Craig parents.

PACS Supported Events

Annual Chili ThrowdownEach October, Craig School families gather to enjoy an afternoon of food, "catching up" and conversation. PACS lends its financial and member support to this fun-filled event.

Annual Spring AuctionThe Spring Auction is Craig's largest fundraising event, and PACS assists the Development Department by recruiting its members to join the Auction Committee. Additionally, PACS, through its communications, provides the parent community information and updates as the Auction Committee prepares for this spectacular event.

PACS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIESVolunteering for PACS is a great way to meet and get to know other Craig parents, and to become a more integral part of the Craig community. If you can fill any of the open positions below or would like to know other ways you can help out, please contact:

PACS Volunteer Coordinator

CHAIRS, CO-CHAIRS AND MEMBERS ARE NEEDED FOR THE FOLLOWING COMMITTEES:Auction - 50/50 Raffle: Be a part of the Auction Team and work with the Auction Liaison and the Development Office to plan and implement a successful 50/50 Raffle for Craig's Annual Spring Auction. The 2013 50/50 Raffle SOLD OUT prior to auction night and generated a $10,000 pot, split between the winners and The Craig School! Skills desired: creativity, organization and record keeping (possessing any ONE of these skills makes you a good candidate!). Timing: begins in January, but the busiest time is April.

Auction - Live and Silent Auctions: Work with the Auction Liaison and the Development Office to cultivate a successful auction. Join the team to solicit, track, collect, package and display both live and silent items. Encourage participation from other Craig families. Skills desired: creativity, an outgoing personality, persistence, creative writing, record keeping, creative display and most of all - a sense of fun! Timing: January to May, but the last 3 weeks is "crunch time".

Auction - General Help: Mailings, Decorations, etc: Help Auction Liaison and Development Office with various short-term duties, including collating invitations, purchasing and setting up decorations in coordination with the auction theme and soliciting other volunteers to help with these tasks as needed. The busiest time is from March to May.

Baking/Hospitality: Coordinate volunteers to provide baked goods for social gatherings and information sessions during the school year including: LS/MS Back to School Night, Fall and Spring PACS meetings and Craig Expo.

Craig Gear: Take and fill orders, collect funds and work with vendors to ensure all orders are met. Samples should be displayed at New Student Orientation, LS/MS Parent Welcome Breakfast, HS Back to School Night, LS/MS Back to School Night, Chili Throwdown and Grandfriends Day.

Parent Socials: Organize, publicize and attend informal parent socials (meeting for coffee, etc.) to increase a sense of Craig community among Lower School, Middle School and High School parents.